He
was led out early last July, an elegant, white stallion, a bit
low in the back due to illness and age, but nonetheless fiery
and animated, regal and alert. Makhsous gracefully danced at the
end of the lead as he was presented to Kehilan Arabian's visitors
that day. There was no doubt he knew he was King of Kehilan.

Photo: Jerry
Sparagowski

That
was my first look at this alabaster stallion about whom I had
heard and read so much. A son of the esteemed Sultann, Makhsous
(x Nabda) had long been known for his beautiful face, long, well-set
neck and lovely, fluid motion - and for the many champions he
had sired. Seeing him in the flesh was like taking a journey back
into the deserts of Arabian horse history this ethereal stallion
had come quite a distance in his 24 years.

Photo: Johnny
Johnston

His
dam, Nabda

Bred
by Stanley White, Makhsous was later purchased by Gleannloch Farms,
and in 1992, when Gleannloch dispersed its herd, Herb and Jean
Rogers and their daughters brought him home to Kehilan Arabians
to stand alongside his illustrious sire, Sultann, who was already
living out his last days at Kehilan.

Photo: Johnny
Johnston

Sultann, the
sire of Makhsous

Makhsous
sired fewer than 200 foals, yet out of that small number of foals
have come three U.S. National Champions, one Canadian Reserve
National Champion, one international champion, and numerous regional,
national, international, and Egyptian Event winners. His most
famous mating - to Bint Jadi - produced four halter champions,
including U.S. National Champion Futurity Colt (out of 44 colts),
Kuraafi, and his full brother, Canadian Reserve National Champion
Futurity Colt, Zaarif.

Zaarif (Makhsous
x Bint Jadi)

Perhaps
his most famous straight Egyptian foal was the kind and beautiful
Bint Haddiyah (x Haddiyah by Amaal). Bint Haddiyah was a halter
champion who was also twice U.S. National Champion
Walk/Trot 10 and Under, chosen
unanimously in 2002! A Makhsous son, Extream (x Glenglade Spice),
was Scottsdale Top Ten before being exported and named National
Champion Stallion of Saudi Arabia. Another daughter, Ziba Jalisa
(x Kahleela) has twice been named U.S. National Champion Working
Cow Horse AO.

Photo: Judith
Wagner

The Makhsous daughter Amurath Grey Dawn

The
beautiful Makhsous daughter, Amurath Grey Dawn (x Ramses El Haia),
is a two-time World Champion Top Ten Mare at the Salon du Cheval
in Paris, and an Egyptian Event Reserve Champion World Class Aged
Mare. Worth noting is the fact that every Makhsous offspring shown
at the U.S. and Canadian Nationals has earned a Top Ten or better!

Photos: Gigi
Grasso

The Makhsous sons Makhnificent KA and Marquis I

Kehilan's
Makhsous sons, Makhnificent KA, a beautiful, typey grey stallion,
himself a former U.S. National Top Ten Futurity Colt and U.S.
National Top Ten Heritage Yearling Colt, as well as a Region 9
Champion Sweepstakes Colt, and the Egyptian Event and Regional
winning Marquis I (x Antigua Dance), an extremely typey and elegant
grey, for several years have stood beside their celebrated sire,
poised to take the mantel from the King.

Photo: Javan
Schaller

Makhsous
in all of his glory

Time
for their coronation finally arrived. On October 6, King drew
his last proud breath. Though no one would ever guess by looking,
the proud, animated stallion had, years before, suffered a heart
attack, and now damage from his weakened but ever courageous heart
again tried to still the majestic Makhsous for good. As Becky
Rogers tells it:

"True
to his spirit he had lived a very vibrant and full life since
then. But he suffered what now appears to be a pulmonary embolism.
He fought courageously to what appeared to be a recovery yesterday.
But it was not to be.......he went into massive heart failure suddenly
last night - and though he never gave up - we decided to do the right
thing - hard though it is and make the decision for him."

Photo: Nancy
Pierce

Makhsous
in July at home at Kehilan Arabians

Though
his physical presence may no longer grace the stables of Kehilan
Arabians, there is no doubting that the mantel has been passed
on, as the Makhsous legacy of beautifully typey heads, long, elegantly
shaped necks, and athletic ability is perpetuated through his
sons, daughters, and grandget throughout the world.